The Ford EcoSport is Just Like a Fiesta, Only Tougher [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

Recent News

Maneuvering through city traffic may seem like navigating a jungle, or at least it seems that way to car designers and marketing experts. Isn’t it fitting, then, to have harmless subcompacts resemble miniaturized off-roaders? Ford has decided it is, and the brand has now launched its Fiesta-based EcoSport in Europe. Powered by either a 123-hp, 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder; a 108-hp, 1.5-liter four-banger; or an 89-hp, 1.5-liter turbo-diesel, this crossover is an efficient little runabout. It also features higher ground clearance, a roof rack, and a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear liftgate.

The EcoSport’s styling language fits neatly into Ford’s current lineup, with angular lines, slim headlights, and a grille that’s equal parts Hyundai and Aston Martin. The EcoSport is the little brother of the Escape and shares many stylistic cues with its larger sibling. Big news with the EcoSport is that it brings a lot of Ford’s connectivity and telematics features to Europe. The brand is especially proud of the driver’s ability to voice-control smartphone apps.

But does the EcoSport mean serious off-roading business? Of course not. Ford calls it an SUV, but curiously speaks of its “go-anywhere appeal,” as opposed to actual capability. Perhaps it’s a good thing that this little crossover is equipped with SYNC’s emergency-assistance system. In case its driver gets really lost in a confusing suburban landscape—or into an accident—the crossover pinpoints its location and notifies emergency services.

The EcoSport will be sold in South America, India, and Europe, but there’s no word on a U.S.-market launch. The market for vehicles of its size is extremely price-sensitive. But if fuel prices take off, it is conceivable that Ford would sell it here, just like the other Fiesta-based vehicle, the C-Max hybrid subcompact people mover. In light of that and Ford’s recent global strategy, selling the EcoSport in the States makes some sense. But marketing and product positioning is a topographic nightmare, too; likely one even the EcoSport’s “go-anywhere” capability would struggle to traverse.